Social Development MEC in the North West Basetsana Sussana Dantjie on Wednesday expressed profound shock following the death of a two year old child in a shack fire at Swartdam in Moretele local municipality.
According to preliminary report from the social workers, the parent had left their child alone sleeping in their shack when fire broke around 7am in the morning. While parent and the grandmother of the child were away, the shack was engulfed in flames. Tragically, the fire claimed the life of the child.
“We send our condolences to the family of the child who died in the fire. This is heartrending. We call on parents and guardians never to leave any child unattended. It is the responsibility of everyone to protect children,” Dantjie said, adding that social workers from Moretele service point are on the ground to provide trauma counselling to the bereaved family. The MEC said the social workers are better equipped to support individuals and families in managing the complex emotional, psychological, and social challenges that arise when a loved one dies.
Dantjie vowed that social workers will liaise with Home Affairs to speed up the application of life documents. Other stakeholders, Dantjie said, have been brought on board to assist the deceased family.
ENDS.
Issued by North West Department of Social Development
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